We have our work cut out for us in the coming years. The threats to critical affordable and supportive housing programs that serve the poorest households and those with disabilities are real and significant. Become involved in planning the 2018 Congressional Reception!

NJCounts 2018

All twenty-one New Jersey Counties will be counting individuals and families who were homeless – both sheltered and un-sheltered - on the night of Tuesday, January 24, 2018.This annual census is conducted by networks of organizations, agencies and others that plan community efforts to end homelessness and is coordinated by Monarch Housing on the statewide level.

The goal of the second Annual Homeless Sabbath is to engage as many congregations of all faiths to include readings in their service(s) held on December 15th, 16th and 17th, 2017, at their respective house of worship. Click here to register online to participate.

Help Restore Second Chance Act Funding

We all deserve a Second Chance

Last week the Senate Appropriations Committee eliminated funding for the Second Chance Act in the fiscal year (FY) 2012 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. In contrast, the House Appropriations Committee provided $70 million in their FY12 funding bill. The Second Chance program was originally funded at $100 million in FY 2010, but that was reduced to $83 million in 2011.

Members of Congress need to hear from you immediately about the importance of Second Chance Act funding.

Share this information and ask your colleagues and friends to help protect funding for the Second Chance Act.

Background

Although no funding for Second Chance was included in the bill, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy pledged to work to restore funding when the House and Senate Appropriations Committees attempt to resolve differences between the two spending bills.

The bill also provides $9 million for the Mentally Ill Offender Act (the legislation that authorizes the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program) for FY12.

Overall it provides $2.3 billion for state and local law enforcement programs, including:

$9 million for the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act

$0 million for the Second Chance Act

$395 million for Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants

$21 million for Byrne Competitive Grants

$35 million for Drug Courts

$10 million for Residential Substance Abuse Treatment

Committee approval is only the first step in the appropriations process. The appropriations bills must be passed by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as well as the full House and Senate.

For the summary of the legislation approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee click here.

Please save the date for this important event and opportunity to delve deeper into the issue of segregation. Registration for the May 16 event to be held at Seton Hall Law School in Newark will begin in early April.